SUMMARY/ABSTRACT: The State Department on Aging, in partnership with the Agency on Aging or South Central CT and community providers operated The grant funded Choices at Home Project with the goal of helping consumers who are at high risk of nursing home placement but not yet eligible for Medicaid to remain in their own homes. The objectives were: Provide consumers in the South Central Area with flexible service options utilizing a Cash and Counseling model with funds from the Federal Caregiver and State Respite Care Programs; Target services to individuals in the Area who are at risk of nursing home placement and spend-down to Medicaid; Develop a Single Entry Point system in the Area that provides access to long term care services and supports; and Conduct a process evaluation and design and implement a model comprehensive performance measurement program.

Under the federally funded Nursing Home Diversion Modernization Grant, the Department on Aging developed two exciting resources for Connecticut Caregivers and Consumers.

The first resource is an on-line training tool focusing on caregiving. “Information For Caregivers” is an online educational tool that provides information about resources and services available for caregivers. This web-based training was developed as part of The Administration on Aging Nursing Home Diversion Modernization Grant.

The second resource is a video on self-directed care. Choices At Home was developed for the Cash and Counseling Pilot as part of The Administration on Aging Nursing Home Diversion Modernization Grant. The Cash and Counseling pilot is an additional option for services available through the CT Statewide Respite Care Program and the National Family Caregiver Support Program. It is available Statewide through both programs.

The Premier showing of the Video took place at the Agency on Aging of South Central CT on January 26th, 2009 and was so well received that a second showing was offered to meet the demand. Below are photos taken at the event.

The Agency on Aging of South Central CT received the 2010 Administration on Aging's 1st Annual "Excellence in Action: Chaging Systems Award" for their role in piloting CT's 1st ADRC, piloting CT's 1st Nursing Home Diverions program, and piloting CT's 1st Veteran's Directed Home and Community Based Services program.